Vilas County

Vilas County is one of Wisconsin’s Premier Vacation Destinations

Vilas County is one of Wisconsin’s premier vacation destinations. This beautiful corner of the Northwoods is home to large tracts of federal, state and county forestlands, 60 designated trails, 73 rivers and streams and more than 1,300 lakes. Natural areas abound just waiting to be explored.

The lakes of Vilas County are special for their clarity, beauty and accessibility. These clean, clear waters are renowned for their outstanding recreational opportunities such as fishing, paddling/boating and swimming.

From small, shimmering ponds in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest to big waters, such as 3,800-acre Trout Lake, the Eagle River Chain, the Manitowish Waters Chain, the Lac du Flambeau Chain or the Cisco Chain, Vilas County’s ponds and lakes offer plentiful walleye, musky, northern pike, panfish and bass.

Enjoy golfing or museums? Vilas County offers nine 18-hole golf courses offering great play and picture-perfect views and is also home to 14 community historical museums.

Bikers can choose from dozens of designated trails ranging from paved to areas for rugged mountain biking. Hikers have more than 40 trails, some interpretive, from which to choose. Check out Vilas County’s Silent Sports Trail map and app.

Winter brings big fun to Vilas County. Snowmobilers can ride more than 700 miles of expertly groomed trails. Cross-country skiers can choose from dozens of trails and snowshoers can explore a number of trails as well as the 232,000-acre Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. Once frozen, many of the 1300 lakes that are fished during the summer turn into incredible ice fishing spots!